Apparently my flanges are too small and that's why pumping isn't so comfortable. This page has a good illustration on how they should fit.
http://www.ameda.com/breast-pumping/why-does-good-flange-fit-matter-and-how-can-i-get-it
Are you using the right size flanges?
nectarine / 2886 posts
I had to get bigger flanges too, and it made a big difference in terms of milk output!
GOLD / pineapple / 12662 posts
Apparently too tightly. I need to try the bigger set that came with my pump!
clementine / 916 posts
According to Medela the standard ones are "my size", but I like the bigger ones. 
pomelo / 5628 posts
I use 2 different sizes. My "smaller" nipple actually fits best with the large flange just because of the angle. I bought pumpin' pals and didn't like them. After a TON of playing around, I finally figured out an option that works.
kiwi / 629 posts
I think I need bigger ones or at least a bigger one for my right nipple because it rubs and hurts! I can never get it at the right angle to where it is comfortable.
eggplant / 11716 posts
So, after looking at that diagram, is the size of the flanges based on how big your actual nipple is, or how big your areola is, or a combination of both?
honeydew / 7488 posts
@Mrs Green Grass: same with me! I use a different size on each side. I also tried pumpin pals and they didn't really work for me.
@Anagram: I think it is a combo like you say. But for me it was mainly nipple size that was the main factor.
blogger / watermelon / 14218 posts
This has been confusing me... my nipples seem to be the right size because they can move freely within the tubes of the flanges, but by the end of my pumping session they touch the ENDS of the tubes...does that make sense? I'm guessing there aren't LONGER flanges?
pear / 1698 posts
I had to get the small and extra small reducing inserts, apparently I have small nipples! Pumping was so painful with the standard flanges for me.
persimmon / 1479 posts
I think i need a size smaller than I have. In the the stores around here you can only buy large or extra large flanges for Medella pumps and I need the standard.
GOLD / papaya / 10206 posts
Who knew? Mine are too small. Luckily I didn't have to pump much at all, but I can imagine fit is a big deal for exclusive pumpers/heavy pumpers.
honeydew / 7488 posts
@mrs. wagon: that sounds ok to me, as long as you aren't in pain? I also think if too much of the areola (omg iPhone auto correct just cannot handle that word took me 5 tries!) is drawn in, that's not supposed to be good, so not sure if that is your situation...
blogger / watermelon / 14218 posts
@T-Mom: LOL I seriously laughed out loud reading your autocorrect troubles. I'm not in pain but it's a possibility that too much of the areola is being drawn in. But I feel like any smaller, the sides of the nipple would rub against the tube.
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